Spasso is a Cigar-Friendly Italian Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui

March 15, 2010 Posted in Lifestyle
Spasso is a Cigar-Friendly Italian Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui

Spasso Restaurant & Bar Close to the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, yet raised up from the hustle and bustle of shoppers and commuters below, lies popular Italian restaurant and bar Spasso. For two years the restaurant has enjoyed a roaring trade thanks not only to its spacious roof terrace, but also its authentic and exquisite Italian cuisine.

‘Spasso’ in Italian means ‘fun’ and at this contemporary Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant and bar you can be sure to have an enjoyable evening – whether guests are choosing from one of the 50 wines or cocktails by the glass, indulging in a choice from the 250 bottle strong, yet ever-changing and evolving wine list, or enjoying anything from a light, yet tasty snack to a sumptuous feast. Spasso has something for everyone and not least for its cigar smokers. Since the smoking ban came into force in Hong Kong in July it has been increasingly difficult for cigar smokers to find a relaxed and welcoming venue in which to enjoy a cigar, especially at certain times of the day. Although there is a small selection of bars open for evening aperitifs alongside cigars, or much-needed after-work smokes, the choice of locations for lunch followed by a quick Robusto have become increasingly sought after. Spasso is such a venue.

Spread over 2,300 square feet, the terrace looks across to the familiar skyline of Hong Kong across the bustling harbour. “The typical atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing,” says Emanuele Gorla, Bar Manager at Spasso. “People come here and expect great food and wine in the perfect environment.” And it is not only a focus on food and wine that Spasso is going for. Recently the restaurant introduced new sofas facing Victoria Harbour so that guests inclined to indulge solely in a drink and a smoke, are able to do so in a more comfortable environment. For cigar smokers, Spasso has the ideal selection of smokes on offer, with only the best Cubans on its list which include a selection of Cohibas and Montecristos as well as one or two each from Le Hoyo De Monterrey, Romeo Y Julieta and Partágas. With such a broad list there is surely a cigar for everyone and for any occasion.

If smokers are keen to indulge in more than just a smoke, the cuisine, served up by Executive Chef Michele Senigaglia from Venice, is excellent and available throughout the day, from noon until midnight, with a focus on a variety of distinctive meal experiences. The à la carte menu predictably features typically Italian dishes, from pasta to risotto and pizza to antipasti, but also includes such delights as Blue crab and avocado timbale with mâche salad and citrus vinaigrette, Sicilian style baked king prawns served with couscous and fresh tomato salsa, Traditional Sardinian style roasted suckling piglet flavoured with fresh mitro leaves, Warm liquid centre chocolate flan with milk chocolate “cremino” and “26 espresso” ice-cream, to name but a few.

During the week Spasso’s “Power Hour” lunch ensures busy executives can be in-and-out within an hour. The excellent buffet features typically healthy Italian antipasti and main courses and can even leave cigar lovers that extra time to indulge before returning to the office. Spasso never stops as the day continues on with its afternoon tea where it not only offers guests freshly brewed tea and coffee but a broad range of gelato and sorbet, as well as pastries and scones. As the day draws to a close, the roof terrace at Spasso is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and Hong Kong light up. The West-facing terrace is privy to a daily sunset and alongside its extensive cocktail menu, and even more considerable wine list, it’s the perfect place to see in the evening. With complimentary hors d’oeuvres to indulge in between 5:30pm and 7:30pm there might not be a better way to relax after a hard day’s grind at the office.

Sunday brunch is a must-do. On top of the mouth-watering choice of food that Spasso serves up, there is a child-friendly atmosphere and for three hours, diners can enjoy the option of free flow red and white wine or champagne. With a glass in one hand and a cigar in the other, how could the weekend get any better? Spasso also has four private dining rooms, one of which seats 12 and has direct access to the terrace for those guests who might like to step out after a business lunch and enjoy a favourite smoke. With the advantage not only of some great food and an excellent wine list, the extensive roof terrace and broad cigar menu at Spasso make it one of the prime spots in Tsim Sha Tsui to indulge in top-notch cuisine in a relaxed yet sophisticated venue. As Autumn sets in and the evenings grow cooler, head down to the harbour front and enjoy your favourite smoke, Italian style.

Spasso